Windshield wiper blades: replacement and buying advices

Safety and convenience of driving largely depends on efficiency as of many units and systems, so of operable condition of separate components, which seem insignificant at first sight. Wiper blades refer to these components, because poorly cleaned windscreen obscures visibility, interfering with full-fledged road vision.

1. How to find out that wiper blades need replacing
2. How to buy windshield wiper blades

If you noticed stains on windscreen after wiper blades operation, then it is time to replace old wipers. But how to find out, when it is time? You won’t run to auto shop because of few stains, will you? There are many symptoms of windshield wiper blades failure, which we are going to describe in this article.

1. How to find out that wiper blades need replacing

If the windscreen wipers don’t work well, then you should find out the cause first. For example, this might be caused by oil film on a windscreen or by damage of wiper crossbeam. Also insufficient lever fixation may create gapping between wiper and windscreen. If the problem is in other component, then it might be squeegee wipers. In some cases they must be replaced at once and in some cases they can be “reanimated” with the help of flint-paper.

If your car was in the sun or in freezing temperatures, then wiper blades could deform and could not have come at a better time. In cases, when windscreen wipers began to work improperly, then the reason might be in their maculation. There also might be sand in rubber refills chase, which prevents it from bending in necessary direction. In winter there is ice in chases instead of sand and wiper just freezes to windscreen. Cleaning out all sand or ice, you might find your windshield wiper blade in working condition.

Now let’s study out, when the windshield wiper blades must be replaced. If there are water bars left on windscreen - that points on scratches or abruptions on wiper surface. In particular, these bars may occur in zone of view on driver side or spread along windscreen. In this case, if it doesn’t obscure the view, the wiper blades replacement is not necessary, though, it is recommended. Besides, the problem can be solved with cleaning of dust, sand or mud from windscreen.

If there are water stains or spots are left after wiper operation, then this might be caused by sunken or malformed blade. These damages occur after long stay of vehicle in sunlight or in frosty weather. Another reason of elasticity degradation can be explained with the fact that wiper blade was storage for few years. Because of that rubber refills could dry up.

To inspect windshield wiper elasticity, just draw it aside and release hold. It must bend easily and resume at once after that. Sometimes this component can be fixed by soaking in petrol and washing in soap solution afterwards. Silicone grease and flint-paper also remove deformations. But if stains occurred, it is better to replace windshield wiper blades.

Sometimes blades leave radial bars on windscreen. This is a symptom of corrosion. You can try to “remedy” this with petrol soaking.

2. How to buy windshield wiper blades

What is an ideal wiper blade? It doesn’t have to be something supernatural indeed. Quality windscreen cleaning from water film and stains obscuring the view – that’s all any driver needs. Besides, quality windscreen blade must remove frost and icing without stiffening. Resistance to different chemical compositions is also an important factor.

But satisfying all these requirements mostly depends on manufacturer, wiper blade family and construction, fixation type and size. You can also pay attention to wear sensor presence (as additional criteria).

Long windshield wipers are not recommended for installation, because it is hard to reach quality cleaning with them, due to low pressure on windscreen. Frameless wipers or those, which have cover protecting crossbeam pivot joints from icing, suit better for cold season.

If you use standard framed wipers, periodic replacement of rubber refills will prevent troubles. Though, only in case if pivot joint of crossbeams and adapters are in order.

But let’s return to the matter of buying. What pay attention to? First, there must be no curves on leading edge of rubber tape. And the tape itself must be smooth. Second, remember: no burs or shears must be on the tape and its moving while frame bending must be without jamming.